SportsPower program offers spiritual mentorship to teens

Paul L. Newby II | The Grand Rapids PressSportsPower founder and director Jeremiah Hamlet rallies the players before a basketball game at Oakdale Christian High School.

GRAND RAPIDS — Jeremiah Hamlet sees basketball as a unifier: the dribbling ball, the squeak of sneakers on the court and the blow of the coach’s whistle creating a rhythm — an international language that transcends differences.

“It’s a way to basically combine different cultures, races. When you’re out on the court, it doesn’t matter,” Hamlet said, standing on the sidelines while about 30 teenage boys shot hoops in the gym at Oakdale Christian School.

Using basketball as a conduit to connect with young people and help them build relationships with Christ is Hamlet’s mission. The former European professional basketball player founded SportsPower four years ago after returning to Grand Rapids.

About 1,000 boys are now involved in programs at 22 Grand Rapids area schools. Opportunities include an Amateur Athletic Union program, camps, individual training and community service.

The program has partnerships with Grand Rapids Public Schools’ after-school LOOP program, the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, South East Community Association and Baxter Community Center. It receives funding from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and Crossroads Bible Church, 1801 Three Mile Road NE.

Hamlet, a 1998 Jenison High School graduate who holds Northwood University’s 3-point record in one game, was involved with after-school programs while playing basketball in England and Holland until 2006. He realized there was an opportunity to run a local program that merged basketball and character building.

“This has been a ministry since the beginning,” he said. “It was the only way to reach kids in a unique way. It’s us coming to them, where they’re at.”

Antonio McKinney, 18, spends three afternoons a week involved with SportsPower to stay on top of his game and to prepare for his future, he said.

Paul L. Newby II | The Grand Rapids PressJosh Vasicer dribbles past Antonio McKinney during a SportsPower basketball game at Oakdale Christian High School. SportsPower is a faith-based organization that aims to develop leadership skills, self-discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and educational opportunities for youth, as well as present the gospel message.

McKinney, a recent graduate of Ottawa Hills High School, where he played basketball, is headed to Central Michigan University in the fall.

“Eventually you will be a better basketball player,” he said of attending SportsPower. “It will also connect you with yourself so you can be a better person and stay out of trouble,” he said.

MarShon Peoples, who recently started a SportsPower AAU program, said he hopes to keep kids away from gangs and other dangerous activities by giving them a better alternative.

“We are taking what they want and giving them what they need. That’s what they love: basketball,” said Peoples, a former Grand Rapids Boys and Girls Club staff member. “We give them what they need to excel.”

The boys spend time each week practicing and participating in community service projects. Saturdays at the Baxter Community Center incorporate Bible study with basketball.

Travis Holst, 15, has attended for three years.

“It’s really fun and really helpful and you also learn about God,” he said. “It gives (teens) a chance to get active and make good decisions so you can have a better life down the road,” said Holst, of Lowell.

Gert Hopson, president of the South East Community Association, watched as her son, Trenton, 13, played. She is planning to lead the boys in beautification projects around the area this summer.

“I think it’s great because it’s not just a basketball program. It builds the entire character of participants.”

“They’re going to be ready when we’re through with them. They are going to be positive, productive members of society wherever they are.”

SportsPower recently started a soccer program. Opportunities for girls also are being planned.